October 6, 2014Port of Tyne Named ‘Port of the Year’ in National Transport Awards

The Port of Tyne became the toast of the transport sector after being named ‘Port of the Year’ at the National Transport Awards.
The Port of Tyne has sustained record growth and record cargo volumes for five years in succession and shown the largest year on year growth of any other major UK port to become the fastest growing of the UK’s top 30 ports.

Supported by the Department for Transport and Passenger Focus, the 2014 National Transport Awards, which recognise organisations making a real difference to transport across the UK, took place at the Westminster Park Plaza, London on 2nd October 2014.

“It’s a great honour to win Port of the Year in the first year that it has been part of the National Transport Awards,” said Andrew Moffat, chief executive officer.

“We are proud of the successes we’ve had at the Port of Tyne but we are mostly proud of the way our employees – the whole team – have responded to new opportunities and how we have worked with our customers to deliver what they need and help support the growth of their businesses too.

“Over the past few years the Port has grown up as an organisation; we have not only invested in the business but also developed our people and these are the people who are driving improvements in our performance and who have helped to deliver our success.”

Following over a decade of development, strategic investment of over £120m has seen the Port transform its business operations and diversify in to five business areas, covering conventional and bulk cargo, car terminals, cruise and ferry, logistics and a portfolio of commercial property.

As a result in 2013 cargo volumes more than doubled to 8.1m tonnes (the highest for almost 50 years); turnover increased to £73 million and the economic impact of the Port of Tyne’s operating activities increased to over £500m supporting 10.5k jobs.
“When 95% of all goods coming in and out of this country go by sea, it’s most appropriate that this category was created and that’s why we were pleased to support it by entering a submission,” added Andrew.

Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport said: “Transport is a crucial part of everyday life. It plays a central role in supporting local economies, linking businesses, services and goods with markets, and driving growth and prosperity. The National Transport Awards are an opportunity to celebrate innovation and excellence across our transport sector, and to recognise industry professionals who go the extra mile to deliver efficient and effective transport across the country.”